KOCHI: Uncertainty prevails over the commencement of Metro works along the Chambakkara - Petta stretch as the revenue department has stopped its work in the absence of land acquisition rules. Even as the widening of Vyttila-Petta road by the Kochi Metro Rail Limited is progressing fast, the agency is not sure about the commencement of Metro works along the stretch. Though the KMRL has received enough funds for land acquisition, nearly 40 plots are yet to be taken over for the project.
“Completing the acquisition of the remaining plots along Vyttila- Petta is a major challenge. As many as 40 plots could not be acquired as the land owners are not ready to part with their plots on the negotiated purchase price in the absence of land acquisition rules,” said a senior official with KMRL.
The Land Acquisition Act was amended in 2015 by the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act (LARRA) but the previous government didn’t finalise the rules and procedures as per the new Act. Now, the new government has to frame the rules after which acquisition can be resumed.
An elaborate metro station with parking space for private vehicles has been envisaged at Vyttila Mobility Hub and this could function as a terminal station till the Metro is extended up to Tripunithura. If the current progress is any indication, the 25-km Aluva-Petta stretch can’t be completed before the deadline of June 2017, when the agreement with DMRC expires.
It was on June 7, 2013 that the Metro construction works began setting the deadline of June, 2017. “There are uncertainties over the reconstruction of Chambakkara bridge with its design and land acquisition details yet to be finalised. We will be able to carry out works beyond Vyttila only after the road widening and land acquisition are completed.” sources said.
